Love, Simon

It takes an idea that has been massively controversial and highly opposed for so long, and makes it feel like a most accepted topic

All too often characters are typecast, story lines become predictable, and scripts sit stagnant just for the pleasure of the masses. Love, Simon is part of a new wave of films looking to break that barrier, showing just how varied the world his, however small its sample size.

Simon (Nick Robinson) is a typical high school student, with all the same pressures and responsibilities as each one of his classmates, but he also hides one huge secret. He is gay. Trying his utmost to stop the secret getting out, Simon goes to extreme lengths, no matter who he inadvertently hurts in the process. Yet when his emails are seen by the school idiot, Simon’s job of a cover up becomes considerably more difficult.

The film is a teenage love story with a real, impactful difference. What Love, Simon does best is normalise the situation. It takes an idea that has been massively controversial and highly opposed for so long, and makes it feel like a most accepted topic. There is no way to bash the film, because it is purely respectable for what it does.

Throughout, Love, Simon is consistent in its quality, and shines way above other teen rom-coms. The story doesn’t seem cliched or condescending, the characters are relatable and humorous, and ultimately it is a really passionate film. It wants to get its message across, but not in a pushy or unattractive manner. Love, Simon is incredibly good at what it does, and what it does is thoroughly enjoyable.

The young cast show a heartwarming side to a teenage love story, rather than the bitchy themes that usually make their way to the forefront in this style of film. It’s powerful, refreshing and a genuinely pleasant watch with a real understanding of teenage angst and social struggles. At the end of it all it becomes very easy to love Love, Simon.